Bachelor of Design (Fashion)

PORTFOLIO REQUIREMENTS

Become a fashion designer or skilled, industry-ready fashion professional with this internationally-recognised qualification. 

Sewing skills aren't essential, as long as you're into fashion, you're creative, a hard worker and a risk taker. Our graduates have gone on to work for internationally-acclaimed designers, such as NOM*d, and to create successful labels, such as Maaike and twenty-seven names.

Why study Fashion Design with us?

This leading fashion degree is recognised for its international opportunities, industry connections and the chance to develop your style and identity as a designer.

The programme is hands-on and reflects current industry practice. You'll develop your advanced design and technical skills, extend your market knowledge and explore enterprise opportunities.

Benefits of our fashion degree

• A boutique learning environment – small classes mean your lecturers know you by name and can support you to develop your own ‘design identity’
• Studio-based learning with access to specialised equipment and spaces
• Exchange and study abroad opportunities in Europe and Asia
• Strong international fashion connections
• Individual, team and interdisciplinary learning opportunities
• Exhibitions and international competitions to showcase your creativity and talent
• Client projects, industry placements and internships which help you to become a work-ready graduate
• Access to support and business start-up advice through the Dunedin Fashion Incubator (Dfi)
• Employers love our fashion design graduates because they’re innovative, hard-working, solution-focused and well prepared for the realities of the fashion world

Entry requirements

• NCEA Level 3
• 14* credits at Level 3 in each of three NZQA approved university entrance subjects, and
• 10 Literacy credits at Level 2 or above, made up of: 
  • 5 credits in reading and 5 credits in writing, and 
• 10 Numeracy credits at Level 1 or above, made up of:
  • specified achievement standards available through a range of subjects OR
  • package of three numeracy unit standards (26623, 26626, 26627- all three required).

• If you do not hold the above qualifications, you must demonstrate equivalent qualifications/experience. Mature applicants with work and life experience are encouraged to apply.
• You must submit a portfolio and may have to undertake an interview.
• International students will be individually assessed to ensure they meet degree-level entry requirements. 
• If English is not your first language, you must provide:
  • New Zealand University Entrance OR
  • Overall Academic IELTS 6.0 (achieved in one test completed in the last two years)
    • Writing band 6.0
    • Speaking band 6.0
    • Reading band 5.5
    • Listening band 5.5, OR   
  • Acceptable alternative evidence of the required IELTS (see here for NZQA proficiency table and here for list of recognised proficiency tests).
• If you need to improve your English Language skills, we offer a wide range of English programmes. 

Additional documentation: You must also supply certified copies of proof of identity, proof of residency (where appropriate), your academic records and a curriculum vitae. 

Your portfolio

You need to submit a portfolio when you apply for the Bachelor of Design.

Find out what you need to include in your portfolio, what we're looking for, and how to submit it to us. 

You will study

Your workload

There is an emphasis throughout the three-year programme on the development of independent learning skills. This is reflected in the decrease of directed hours over the three years with an expectation that by the end of year three, you will be an independent learner. You will work really hard, but you can also count on having heaps of fun along the way! 

Hours are allocated as follows, based on a 32-week academic year: 

Selection process

We select people according to a range of criteria. If we have more eligible applicants than places available, we might put you on a waiting list and we may ask you to come in for an interview to discuss your portfolio.

If you don't yet meet the acceptance criteria, we will recommend a study programme to prepare you to apply the next year.

Provisional entry

A school leaver or an adult applicant who does not meet all the entry criteria may be given provisional entry to year 1 at the discretion of the Head of School.

• Those who successfully complete and pass year 1 will be deemed to have met entry requirements and provisional status will be removed.
• The interview panel will consist of lecturers who teach on the course, along with an academic leader from the department.
• Applicants will be selected on merit on the basis of their portfolio, evidence of creativity and ability to take a concept through to a model stage, and demonstration of the ability to undertake design study at degree level.

Successful applicants will be informed before the end of the year and be sent detailed information on enrolment procedures, loans, starting dates for the following year and any information that might be required to facilitate a smooth introduction to the programme.

Additional costs

Contact the School of Design for a list of equipment, textbooks and resources you must purchase for this programme. You will also be required to purchase fabrics and trims for design projects.

Student loans and allowances

Student loans and allowances are for domestic students only. For information about student loans and allowances please visit the Studylink website. It is important to apply for your student loan/allowance at the same time as you apply for this programme, due to the length of time Studylink take to process. Loan/allowance applications can be cancelled at any time if you decide to withdraw your programme application or if it is unsuccessful. 

Recognition of prior learning

If you have extensive knowledge and skills due to practical experience in this area, enquire about our recognition of prior learning process at Capable NZ. You may have already gained credits towards this qualification.